Contents

Effect

Generation IV

Toxic Spikes sets an entry hazard around the target Pokémon. One layer of Toxic Spikes causes opposing Pokémon to acquire the poison status ailment upon switching in, while two or more layers causes opposing Pokémon to become badly poisoned.

Toxic Spikes has no effect against Flying-type, Poison-type, or Steel-type Pokémon or Pokémon with the AbilityImmunity, Levitate, Leaf Guard (during intense sunlight) or Magic Guard. However, a Flying or Levitating Pokémon will be affected if it is switched in while holding an Iron Ball, while Gravity is in effect or if Baton Passed an Ingrain. If a Poison-type Pokémon that is not also a Flying-type or has the Ability Levitate is switched in, it will absorb Toxic Spikes and the effect of Toxic Spikes will end. Also, if a Poison-type Pokémon that is also a Flying-type or has the Ability Levitate is switched in holding the item Iron Ball or while Gravity is in effect, it will absorb Toxic Spikes. The moves Rapid Spin and Defog remove the effect of Toxic Spikes; Rapid Spin removes Toxic Spikes set around the user of Rapid Spin while Defog removes Toxic Spikes set around the target of Defog.

Toxic Spikes does not activate the Ability Synchronize unless a Pokémon on the field directly causes Synchronizing Pokémon to switch in, such as by using the moves Roar or Whirlwind.

Generation V onward

If a Pokémon is holding an Air Balloon, it will not be affected by Toxic Spikes, unless Gravity is in effect. A Poison-type Pokémon holding an Air Balloon will not absorb Toxic Spikes, unless Gravity is in effect.

Toxic Spikes can now be reflected with Magic Coat. Magic Guard will not prevent poisoning status but will prevent poison damage.

Toxic Spikes does not activate the Ability Synchronize at all, even if a Pokémon on the field directly causes Synchronizing Pokémon to switch in, such as by using a move like Roar or Dragon Tail.

In other games

Toxic Spikes creates a Toxic Spikes trap underneath the user. Any Pokémon that steps on a Toxic Spikes will be poisoned and take 10 damage. The trap is hidden to the user that used the move until a foe Pokémon activates it and has no effect on the user or allies; but if a foe Pokémon uses this move, it will be completely visible to the player so that the player can avoid it at any time. However, Toxic Spikes tile cannot be laid under one-tile ways and the entrance of a room.

Drapion opens its mouth and a dark purple orb forms inside it. It then fires the ball into the air, which spirals and releases four small streams of purple smoke from the top of the ball. The orb then explodes, forming into multiple smaller orbs that fall and sink into the battlefield. The smaller orbs leave trails of purple smoke behind them as they fall. Any opposing Pokémon that steps on the battlefield (besides Pokémon immune to Toxic Spikes) becomes surrounded by purple static, purple waves, and indigo bubbles that rise from the ground over the opponent's body while taking continuous damage.

Trubbish opens its mouth and a dark purple orb forms inside it. Trubbish then fires the orb into the air, leaving behind purple streams of energy behind it as it does. The orb then explodes in the air and smaller magenta orbs with a dark purple aura around them fall to the battlefield and sink into the ground. When the orbs sink into the ground, they leave behind a ring of magenta energy for a moment. When the opponent steps on where the orbs of energy sank into the ground, a small explosion occurs under its feet and a ring of purple energy expand outwards, damaging it.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Qwilfish puffs its body up like a balloon and fires multiple dark spikes from the spikes on its body at the opponent, scattering them around the opponent's feet. When the opponent sends out a new Pokémon, the spikes stab the opponent's feet, hurting and poisoning them.